Set up macOS on a 2009 iMac using a bootable USB drive.

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GigiCakes
Senior Member

261

12-05-2016, 03:13 PM

I received a 27-inch 2009 MacBook that came without a hard drive. I tried it with a Windows 10 drive and it functions well, so I’m curious about installing macOS. It might work with High Sierra but not with Big Sur or Catalina. The specs are an i5 750, 8GB RAM, and a Radeon HD 4850. If possible, how can I proceed? I’m new to Macs.

GigiCakes

12-05-2016, 03:13 PM #1

V_Angel29
Member

187

12-12-2016, 05:43 AM

Do you have another mac? Your gonna need one to make a bootable usb to install osx. here is the guide from apple https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

V_Angel29

12-12-2016, 05:43 AM #2

Do you have another mac? Your gonna need one to make a bootable usb to install osx. here is the guide from apple https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201372

Bombartia
Senior Member

430

12-12-2016, 06:02 AM

Alternatively, you can get an original Mac OS DVD for a compatible release.

Bombartia

12-12-2016, 06:02 AM #3

Alternatively, you can get an original Mac OS DVD for a compatible release.

CasCraft002
Junior Member

12-15-2016, 08:15 PM

But my friend does something else.

CasCraft002

12-15-2016, 08:15 PM #4

But my friend does something else.

herobrain101
Junior Member

12-16-2016, 02:31 AM

It will definitely back El Capitan, and could also help High Sierra. I’d create an El Capitan bootable USB and then upgrade it if possible.

herobrain101

12-16-2016, 02:31 AM #5

It will definitely back El Capitan, and could also help High Sierra. I’d create an El Capitan bootable USB and then upgrade it if possible.

blondeminion
Senior Member

594

12-17-2016, 07:19 AM

It was late 2009. Early 2009 was around October 11th.

blondeminion

12-17-2016, 07:19 AM #6

It was late 2009. Early 2009 was around October 11th.

immchuck
Member

12-18-2016, 01:44 AM

Yes, the early 2009 iMac comes with identical specifications and size.

immchuck

12-18-2016, 01:44 AM #7

Yes, the early 2009 iMac comes with identical specifications and size.

10th_Doctor_
Posting Freak

768

12-18-2016, 03:32 AM

In early 2009 it seems to be paired with a Core 2 Duo processor, which likely means your iMac was from late 2009. Determine the specifications for a late 2009 iMac: iMac (27-inch, Late 2009) – Technical Specifications

10th_Doctor_

12-18-2016, 03:32 AM #8

moe160
Member

150

12-18-2016, 05:22 AM

It matches the late 2009 27-inch model, High Sierra.

moe160

12-18-2016, 05:22 AM #9

It matches the late 2009 27-inch model, High Sierra.

iLwRo
Member

130

12-22-2016, 02:26 AM

#10

You can easily run 10.15 or 11 with minor adjustments. Some tweaks work well. If you can, install an SSD—it'll significantly boost performance.

iLwRo

12-22-2016, 02:26 AM #10

You can easily run 10.15 or 11 with minor adjustments. Some tweaks work well. If you can, install an SSD—it'll significantly boost performance.

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